HK-57, "Buddy" has been painstakingly cared for, and even upon close examination it appears as though HK-model Gladiator Droid was freshly off the manufacturing line. Absent of any scratches, dents or even the slightest imperfections, the only thing missing is the new droid smell.

Buddy—formally KX-57—served Alethia Archenksova for many years before his chassis was destroyed by a pack of mastiff phalones. However, technicians were able to salvage his neural core and integrate his memories and personalities in a freshly constructed HK unit. In addition to his old professionalism and servile devotion to Alethia Archenksova, the transfer has given him a sense of how invulnerable he truly is. Buddy will throw himself into danger with no hesitation, trusting that the worst possible result is an upgrade to a new and better body. He has transcended bravery and proceeded to recklessness and contempt for danger, an attitude that can become counterproductive in a bodyguard.

An experimental automated repair system has been installed on this HK-model Gladiator Droid, giving it an ability to perform or assist in the performance of self-diagnosis and self-repair of its mechanical systems. This system slows the droid while it assesses any necessary repairs when dealing with heavy damage, and can perform very basic tasks or actions while assessing necessary repairs.

This HK-model Gladiator Droid has been fitted with a protocol to fight against memory wipes imposed on it by other droids or technology, replicating the wiping computer's numeric matrices to slice into its system and short-circuit that computer or droid instead.

Concealed blasters have been installed inside this HK-model Gladiator Droid's chassis, deployable at a moments notice and allowing it to defend itself and perform ranged attacks without the need for an additional weapon.